Noise In The News: Weekly Round-Up

by Quiet Communities Staff

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

MTA launches pilot program for subway ads

In a bid to increase revenue, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched a pilot program that will broadcast 30-second audio ads at 75 A-weighted* decibels every 10 minutes at select subway and commuter rail stations. As if commuting wasn’t loud enough, this decision is sure to anger New Yorkers already dealing with the recent fare upcharge and growing noise complaints. Quiet Coalition Chair Dr. Daniel Fink wrote about the issue this week.

A new book on New York City’s quietest places

Yesterday, Quiet Communities hosted artist-in-residence Nicole Kelner for a virtual book event. QC founder Dr. Jamie Banks joined her to discuss her new book, “Quietest Places in New York City” which features 55 original watercolor paintings. If you are a QC subscriber, stay tuned for a recording of the event. You can preorder Kelner’s book here. 

Colorado town limits construction noise

Town councilors in Snowmass, Colorado recently passed a resolution that will limit excessive construction-related noise during special events and holidays in the town’s “peak” season. The resolution is passed once every spring after the announcement of a major concert lineup.

*A-weighting adjusts sound measurements to approximate the frequencies heard in human speech.